Judge Penelope Belcher said: “It is an offence that will affect her. It will affect her treatment of strangers in the future and her trust in people.”

It is an offence that will affect her

Judge Penelope Belcher

The court heard he is already serving a 15-month sentence for stalking a 69-year-old woman for two years.

Maqsood, from Bradford, West Yorks, had become “infatuated” with the woman.

Detective Inspector Steve Greenbank, of Leeds Police, said: “Maqsood wrongly thought he could get away with assaulting an eight-year-old girl in a very public place while her mother was momentarily distracted.”

He thanked the public for their help in catching Maqsood after an appeal.

He added: “We hope the victim and her family will take some comfort from knowing that he has now had to face the consequences of his actions.

“We also hope his conviction will act as a deterrent to others and give victims of similar offences the confidence to come forward.”